The John F. Kennedy Cup has a unique history amongst North America’s trophies for soccer. Founded in 1960, the Kennedy Cup was the first (and only) sporting trophy to be sanctioned by the late President of the United States. It also was the base for some of the first meaningful matches between clubs from British Columbia’s PCSL, California, Oregon, Washington and Mexico. When President Kennedy was assassinated in November, 1963, it was one of the few sporting events in the United States to take place that month with the family’s blessing.
As pro soccer in North America became more prevalent in the late 1960s, the Kennedy Cup became more of a northwest competition between the best amateurs from Oregon, Washington, and B.C. After a brief hiatus, the PCSL is once again committed to hosting the Kennedy Cup Tournament for 2020.
On the weekend of June 6/7, 2020, Penticton’s King’s Park will play host to the Kennedy Cup. The two-day tourney will feature:
Vancouver Tigers – PCSL Champs
Washington Premier SC – Washington Champs
IPS/Marathon Taverna – Oregon Premier Soccer League
Okanagan United Selects – Host players from Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton.
This is one of the biggest soccer events to happen in the Okanagan in living memory for many. Come out and support it. You may be a part of history in the making.
For more information, visit PCSL.org.